Anchorage Equal Rights Commission

Anchorage Community Police Relations Task Force

Background

The ACPRTF was created after an unfortunate incident involving a young black male named Cassel Williams on January 14, 1981. Mr. Williams fired several shots from his apartment window and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) was called to intervene. The responding officers believed it was necessary to use deadly force and Mr. Williams was shot and killed. Considerable concern was raised at the time that other crisis intervention alternatives to deadly force either were not used or not available. Following extensive discussions, an agreement was reached to establish the ACPRTF.

Since its establishment in 1981, the Task Force has operated successfully in its role as a liaison between the ethnic minority community and the APD. It continues to provide a forum for input and constructive dialogue between Anchorage community members and the APD.

Meetings

The ACPRTF meets the second Friday of every month from 12 - 1 p.m. at the Fairview Recreation Center. The meetings are generally open to the public and the public is encouraged to attend. The meeting dates for 2016 are as follows: January 8, February 12, April 8, May 13, July 8, August 12*, September 9, October 14, November 11, and December 9.

*The August 2016 Meeting will be held at the Anchorage Boys & Girls Club located at 315 Price Street, Anchorage.

ACPRTF Membership

All ethnic minorities shall be represented on the Task Force as outlined in the current bylaws of the ACPRTF. Representation from the ethnic minority community shall represent the broadest view possible. No more than 25% of the Task Force shall be employees of the MOA.

The Task Force serves as a primary liaison organization between the ethnic minority community and the APD. In that regard, members of the task force shall continue to meet at least monthly to discuss issues of mutual concern.

The APD will continue to work with the Task Force to ensure that mutual objectives are achieved, consistent with the best interests of the Municipality as a whole, and APD will continue to review with the Task Force (to the extent allowable by law) the results of its investigations and actions taken with respect to incidents involving members of the ethnic minority community and the APD.

The Anchorage Equal Rights Commission shall continue to appoint a representative to serve in an Advisory capacity to the Task Force.